Primitive futures

Photography by César Bejar

Designed by Mexican architects Mario Avila and Carla Osorio of Espacio 18, the 255 m² coastal retreat in the seaside town of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, emerges from the rocks like a living organism: an ode to family, nature, and architecture in perfect harmony.

The house is located on the coast of Oaxaca, on a steeply sloped site that descends westward, offering breathtaking views of the sunset and the crashing waves of the Pacific. With a narrative and reflection rooted in simple architectural principles, this house reinterprets traditional elements of its context through a playful architectural approach, where spaces are revealed fluidly and seek to surprise.

The main entrance is located on the upper level, where a terrace and a reflecting pool welcome people. This water feature not only mirrors the surrounding jungle and the reddish hues of the sunset but also brings freshness to the social spaces on the lower level. Additionally, it creates an atmosphere of peace and contemplation, becoming the starting point of a sensory experience that deeply connects nature and architecture.

Descending from the terrace, the walkway compresses around you, as if leading you into the shelter of a cave. At the end of the path, the space suddenly expands into a double-height social area, where large openings frame breathtaking views of the hills and the sea. This level houses the study, kitchen, dining area, living room, pool, and fire pit - spaces designed to foster togetherness and enjoyment of the surroundings while remaining adaptable to different uses. The project follows the site’s natural slope with a stepped design that seamlessly integrates with the topography, maximizing the views from every space. The kitchen embraces an open, uninterrupted layout - eschewing upper cabinets to allow the space to breathe and flow freely. The countertops are clad in the same material as the walls, creating a seamless visual continuity that enhances the sense of calm. A pair of sculptural pendant lamps adds a subtle touch of sophistication, while wooden furnishings, rich in natural grain, introduce warmth and a playful texture. An oval dining table anchors the space, paired with refined chairs by La Metropolitana. In the adjacent lounge area, two light gray beanbags take the place of traditional sofas, inviting informal relaxation. Every detail has been thoughtfully curated, including the artisanal plates, cups, and objects by the renowned Oaxacan ceramic studio, La Chicharra, which infuse the space with local craftsmanship and soul.

The lowest level accommodates the bedrooms, where the views blend with the treetops, creating an intimate connection between the interior and the outdoors. The earth-toned materials used in the design evoke the warm colors of the sunset and subtly reference the shell of a crab, reinforcing its visual integration with the arid landscape of Puerto Escondido.